Drake has acknowledged the firestorm of controversy surrounding the J. Cole lyric on his song “Jodeci Freestyle,” and has posted a message to fans on his website about it.
The rapper has pulled the line from his song and has issued an apology on his blog that coincides with J. Cole’s.
:J.Cole wrote a beautiful and moving apology to individuals and families affected by autism who were understandably hurt by a verse in ‘Jodeci Freestyle,’” Drake wrote. “I share responsibility and offer my sincerest apologies for the pain this has caused. Individuals with autism have brilliant and creative minds, and their gifts should not be disparaged or discounted. This was a learning lesson for both of us, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to try to right this wrong. J. Cole and I believe that it is the right, responsible, and respectful decision to remove the lyric from the song."
The line, which has sparked outrage with Autism Speaks, features Cole rapping "I'm artistic, you n---as is autistic, retarded.”
MTV News reports Cole said his own apology on Monday, writing, "I do not believe that an apology is needed every time someone is offended, especially when that apology is really only for the sake of saving an endorsement or cleaning up bad press. With that said, this is not the case today. This letter is sincere. This apology IS necessary."
image: Wikimedia Commons
